Since the turn of the decade Token has by and large been an exclusive platform for the music of Inigo Kennedy, Ø [Phase] and Ctrls. The Belgian label has, however, remained on point by putting out formidable productions by Rich Oddie & Ancient Methods’ Eschaton project, German powerhouse Rødhåd and Spanish heavy weights Oscar Mulero and Christian Wünsch as Spherical Coordinates, to some intercontinental fare by Xhin and Go Hiyama. Token, an iron clad operation continuously manufacturing unyielding techno, has always, deep within its impenetrable shell, had a soft spot for British techno. And following a reissue of Mark Broom’s “Two”, maintaining the glacial release rate of Rodz-Konez legend Makaton, and welcoming Surgeon to its fold with the thunderous Fixed Action Pattern 12”, the Belgian label seeks out some fresh UK blood by inviting James Shaw, aka Sigha, to debut on the label with a stylistically sleek and suitably booming 12”, Our Father / A Better Way Of Living.

On equal part, Sigha’s Token debut chalks up another milestone for the Berlin-based Englishman, not only because his name is now up there with the likes of the aforementioned, but Our Father / A Better Way Of Living provides Sigha with his first release away from a label that Shaw’s not intrinsically related to. Prior to this it’s been Scuba’s Hotflush, Shifted’s Avian, James Ruskin’s Blueprint and Shaw’s own Our Circula Sound that have unleashed his productions, and Sigha now steps up to deliver Token a linear 12” full of cosmic flavour and warehouse attitudes that judiciously falls between the sonic aesthetics of Inigo Kennedy’s twinkling melancholia and the interlocking kick drums and basslines of Ø [Phase]. And there’s no doubting that both Token and Sigha are better for it.

Words by James Manning